Arsenal Planning A Summer Move For Liverpool Target Ashley Williams

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Arsenal are reportedly planning a move for Wales and Swansea City captain Ashley Williams, who is also a transfer target Liverpool.

Ashley Williams, who recently lead his team to League Cup victory, has been in the lime-light for his outstanding performances for Swansea City. There has been a lot of speculations over Williams’ future at the Welsh club with Liverpool and now Arsenal being linked with a move for the defender.

Arsenal are expected to undergo a lot of changes next summer with Arsene Wenger being reportedly handed over a £70 million transfer kitty. Looking at this season’s performance, the squad would need strengthening in every department, but it is their defence that perhaps needs a complete makeover.

The Gunners have lacked a leader at the back who can organise the defence. Thomas Vermaelen was expected to fill in that role, but his performances have gone down-hill since he was handed over the captaincy at the start of this season. This where Williams can be an excellent purchase for Arsene Wenger’s side.

The 28-year-old has been the backbone of this Swansea side, both under Brendan Rodgers and Michael Laudrup. He has led the side fantastically well and is brilliant at rallying his team around him. Although reports suggest that Jack Wilshere will be appointed as the captain next season, Williams can add leadership at the back.

Brendan Rodgers is eager for a reunion with Ashley Williams as he looks for replacement for Jamie Carragher, who will retire at the end of the current season. There has also been question marks about the performances of Marin Skrtel, while there are doubts about Sebastian Coates’ future at Anfield.

But it will be tough for both Arsenal and Liverpool to prize away Williams from Swansea City as the defender recently signed a contract extension till 2015. Moreover, the improvement that Swansea have shown under Michael Laudrup, means Williams will think twice before move away from a club which will be in Europe next season.